Incomplete cuts, torn and cracked corners, and peeling layers of paper are common issues when starting with a new Silhouette Cameo machine. Although other factors can cause these problems, it is often the paper’s fault. If you want to know which is the best cardstock for a Silhouette Cameo, making the best cuts will save you so much money in the long run.
All paper is made in a similar process, but not all paper is made equal. A few factors make a difference when you’re cutting. The types and proportions make a difference. Most cardstock starts with wood pulp and is mixed with many fibrous pulps in different proportions. And second, some papers are coated to provide a texture or luster, affecting cutting quality.
The best cardstock for Silhouette Cameo to cut is less fibrous than most and doesn’t have any coatings with a plastic base. When you look at test cutting paper, some don’t cut cleanly, and there are usually two main issues with cutting. The first issue is when you have very smooth cuts in certain areas, but tears appear at the corners or in random places. This may be due to some fibers being too large or too flimsy. Also, you may see spots that separate into layers. A top coating usually causes peeling.
A head-to-head test from two of the biggest brands in Cardstock, American Crafts and Bazzill, shows that one brand is the clear winner regarding cuts. So, do American Crafts or Bazzill cut better? Let’s get started to know which is the best cardstock for a Silhouette Cameo for you.
1. American Crafts Precision Cardstock
American Crafts Precision Cardstock is designed with high-quality, solid core pages that are the best cardstock to put through your die-cutting machine. Each sheet is created with only the best materials to deliver a cleaner, crisper cut without shutting down your cutting machine. Also, papers are easy to weed out, with more cardstock sticking to the mat after cutting, making intricate details a breeze. And the papers won’t crack or split when scored and folded, so your handmade cards can be stretched to perfection. Cardstock packs come in 2 different textures and various color combinations to make paper crafting projects above and beyond. Also, there are many color choices, most of which come in coordinating packs of 12″ x 12″ 60 sheets of paper. You should try this American Crafts Precision Cardstock, the best cardstock for a Silhouette Cameo.
2. Bazzill Cardstock
Bazzill 12×12 Cardstock is one of the top brands of cardstock because it’s so versatile. There are many different types of cardstock in the Bazzill cardstock range, and whatever project you’re working on, there’s a Bazzilla paper weight and texture for you. If you put in the time to create a project, you want to ensure that it will stand the test of time and is beautiful. Here are some basics you should know:
Paper Weight: Paper comes with weight (lbs.). The higher your paper weight, the thicker your paper. The 80 lb. paper is best for die-cutting projects, machine cutting, and layering on cards and scrapbook pages. You can use 80 lb. paper for the base of the card base, but not as strong as the other options. 100lb card stock is perfect for card bases and is suitable for die-cutting projects and machine cutting.
Paper Grams Per Square Meter (GSM): This is another measurement of paper weight. GSM and LB are used interchangeably, relying on the country you are purchasing from and the brand paper. The higher your GSM, the thicker your paper.
Paper Finish: This is the end of the paper or texture. Some papers are smooth, others have a grass cloth or canvas finish, and others are simply textured. The finish is important when it comes to projects. For example, if you’re stamping or painting on paper, you don’t want a textured surface because your image will look bumpy. But for layering or die-cutting, you’ll want a textured finish to give your project some extra dimension.
There are four main Bazzill cardstock: Bazzill Mono, Bazzill Fourz, Bazzill Smoothies, and Bazzill Card Shoppe. Give it a try Bazzill cardstock which is the best cardstock for the Silhouette Cameo machine.